Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Jeep Compass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving over a railroad track at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and was difficult the steer. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the front subframe had failed due to severe corrosion, causing damage to the engine bay, and causing the engine and transmission to lower. The subframe and front lower control arms were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. Recently, while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 98,500.
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle rear end swerved to the right while driving straight. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact regained control and stopped the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear underside was severely rusted; causing the rear suspension to separate from the under body. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that upon taking her vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the wheels aligned, she was informed that the work could not be performed due to severe subframe corrosion. The vehicle was then taken to a second independent mechanic who provided the same diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
-The vehicles front subframe failed to support the vehicles stability, structure, weight, and momentum, during normal driving ,braking, acceleration from a stop, etc. -The corroded and complete 'rusted thru metal' subframe is available for visual/safety inspection, and photo's are attached. - Safety was severely compromised while driving, as the "Subframe to main channel frame" fastening bolt was sheared and broken off while driving, causing the vehicle to veer, without control, due to the engine weight and front end suspension/components shifting out of position. - Independent service centers and auto- mechanic statements in multiple car safety forums have indicated similar situations have occurred, and could be fatal at highway speeds/conditions. - The vehicle is scheduled for dealership inspection and consultation for further use, and/or repair. …
Wife was driving her jeep when she started to veer to the left. went to turn to steering to get straight when it wasn't responding a lot of slack in the steering. called a tow truck when the tow truck lifted noticed the cradle/sub frame was broken. she was on a country road when it happened. If this was on a highway or interstate there would have been major collision resulting in death. there was no warning when it broke it just broke. after doing some research into why it would break the air conditioning hose to the water to drain was running on the sub frame which rusted and eventually break, the break shifted the engine about a foot and dropped about 10 inches Since she didn't hit anything or no property damage there was no police involved. I have reached out to chrysler with the issue with no response. …
The rear subframe and suspension are rusted. I have been hearing a rattling sound for the past couple of weeks, especially when driving over bumps. When I took the car to my mechanic, he detected a cracking in the rear subframe/suspension due to the rust. If this would totally break it would be a substantial safety risk to myself, the driver, as well as other drivers on the road. No warning lights or messages appeared on the car to warn of this problem.
My mechanic reported that car's rear control arm has broken away from frame of car and is a very unsafe condition to use. No warning was given. Was found during normal inspection on mechanics lift. Manufacturer would not help during owners notification of problem but recognized the seriousness of the problem. Dealer has not been notified just my mechanic professional's recommendation.
I started up my vehicle and the etc light came on, let me remind you that it's been going on and off every day, well, I put the car in drive and as soon as I let off the brake, my car accelerated to 4 RPM's and I hit the back end of a family friend who was parked in the drive way. I had the body/mechanic shop take a look at it while repairing the body, and they had no for sure answer. I have had 5 different mechanics look at it and had my codes ran more than once. It's ridiculous. The etc light is on constantly. It's all a matter which day its going to accelerate on its own and which day its going to lose power. This is ridiculous. I have called Chrysler multiply times. My argument is the fact that it isn't something that I have done to the car. What if something was to happen and it came on when I was at a traffic light, somebody is walking across the road and my car accelerates. …
I brought in my 2011 Jeep Compass for an oil change and a simple repair. My mechanic called with what I believed was the call that my vehicle was ready to be picked up. To my surprise, he stated that there was a major issue. He stated that the frame was completely rotted and unsafe to drive, even the mile back to my house. After speaking with the dealership I purchased the vehicle, they advised me to drive the vehicle there (approx. 1/2 mile away) and leave for repair. They explained that the frame was placed under extended warranty due to the issue and that I would need to pay approx. $500-$1,000.00 for 'other parts' and an alignment when replacing the frame that were not part of the warranty. Quite frankly this is unacceptable. It should cost me no out of pocket expense for a failed part, especially a frame on a less than 10 year old vehicle. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. While driving at any speed, the engine rattled and the steering shook. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was rusted and rotted out. The contact called tri-city Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at [phone] (located at 189 rte 108, somersworth, nh 03878) and scheduled an appointment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that nothing could be done to assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Body complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2011 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the body & structure of the 2011 Jeep Compass, 12% of the model year's 188 complaints. The component named most often is body (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Jeep Compass body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2011 Jeep Compass, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Jeep Compass body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.